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World Post Day - 9 October

Every year World Post Day celebrates the establishment, in 1874, of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), with its headquarters in the Swiss capital Berne, it is the second oldest international organization worldwide.

The purpose of the day is to create awareness of the role of the postal sector in people's and businesses' everyday lives.

Every year, more than 150 countries celebrate World Post Day in a variety of ways. In certain countries, World Post Day is observed as a working holiday. Many Posts use the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services. Some Posts also use World Post Day to reward their employees for good service.

In many countries, philatelic exhibitions are organized and new stamps and date cancellation marks are issued. Other activities include the display of World Post Day posters in post offices and other public places, open days at post offices, mail centers and postal museums, the holding of conferences, seminars and workshops, as well as cultural, sport and other recreational activities. Many postal administrations issue special souvenirs such as T-shirts and badges.

UPU Letter-writing Competition

The UPU in cooperation with UNESCO has, for the past 40 years, organized an International Letter-writing Competition for young people aged up to 15. Entries must reach the UPU International Bureau no later than 30 April each year.

Each year's theme is different, and the theme for 2012 is: "Write a letter to an athlete or sports figure you admire to explain what the Olympic Games mean to you." The theme coincides with the Olympic Games being held in London, England, in 2012.

The Olympic Movement seeks to create a better world through sports, by promoting the universal values of excellence, friendship and respect. With these values in mind, young letter-writers are invited to send in their submissions no later than 30 April 2012. All submissions become the property of the UPU.

When the Security Council approaches the final stage of negotiation of a draft resolution the text is printed in blue... What's in Blue helps interested UN readers keep up with what might soon be "in blue".

The Brussels based United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe - UNRIC provides information on UN activities to the countries of the region. It also provides liaison with institutions of the European Union in the field of information. Its outreach activities extend to all segments of society and joint campaigns, projects and events are organized with partners including the EU, governments, the media, NGOs, schools and local authorities.